Palmer was probably best known for breaking the story of the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Tehran during the Iranian hostage crisis. He won the Merriman Smith Memorial Award for excellence in presidential news coverage for his coverage of that story, according to The Associated Press. Palmer was the first broadcast journalist to receive the award.

"John was a brilliant, brave, and tireless journalist who guided viewers through many of the most significant events of the past half-century - from the early days of the civil rights movement through the tragedy of 9/11," NBC News said in a statement. "He covered five presidents and traveled to every corner of the world, always showing the empathy and compassion that helped set him apart. His kindness is remembered by all of us, and it built lasting bonds throughout our news division."

John Palmer, longtime NBC News correspondent and former news anchor of the "Today" show during one of its most successful periods, died Saturday at George Washington University Hospital in Washington after a brief illness. He was 77.